As India and United States lock their horn over approval of the H-1B visa, Indian students in the US have expressed their concern about non-approval of a work permit, stating that the lack of clarity is only increasing their anxiety.

Under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, there was a motion passed for more stringent laws to be implemented with regards to issuing H-1B visas to foreign nationals, which permit them to take up job in the States.Earlier this year, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said India’s concerns about the US’ H-1B visa policy under the new administration have been conveyed to the US. Swarup said that in the wake of the legislation mandating that the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders be increased to $130,000 from $60,000, was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressman Zoe Lofgren.According to an Indian student pursuing Masters at the New York University (NYU), one of the biggest concerns is the proposed hike in minimum salary required to apply for an H-1B visa.“Rumours have surfaced of an increase in minimum salary to be around USD 1, 30, 000. Most companies do not offer such a huge amount when it’s your first job, whichever industry it may be. Filing visa applications during this financial year does not seem possible at the minute. Students and tourists will have to think twice before coming here,” the student told Media.Echoing a similar opinion, another Indian student pursuing her Masters at Parsons School of Design claimed that with the current political situation, students are not likely to consider moving to the States to pursue their education or career.“At this point in time, students are feeling more welcomed in countries like Japan, Australia and Canada. The stability being offered in these countries is being considered by students looking to study or work abroad,” she stated.